Lock blank interest...

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Evyl Robot

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I am the purchasing agent for a manufacturing company in my town. I work with several machine shops, and am capable of doing design work as well. I have mused about working with some of these guys to come up with a blank kit to plug the lock and flag holes for lock removal on S&W revolvers. I would probably want to do two varieties, one each in blued carbon steel or satin stainless steel. What kind of interest would there be in a group like this if I came up with such a product? How much would this product be worth to you guys if I could come up with viable production? I wouldn't be looking to turn a profit so much as recover cost, truth be told. The big thing that has kept me from removing my locks so far is the unsightly (not to mention dust-permitting) hole that it would leave, and I would love to have plugs that would fit like the stock parts. I can't imagine that I'm the only one that feels this way. I would really like some feedback on this. Thanks!
 
That’s a void that’s crying to be filled…….

If you could come up with something that is esthetically pleasing and doesn’t look gerry-rigged, I’m sure the world would beat a path to your door. I haven’t bought a S&W lately for that very reason. Don’t own one, won’t own one.

On the other hand, there’s the liability issue. That device you’re talking about removing is a built in safety feature. Some time down the line a child, wife, husband, etc, shoots his playmate, self, dog, etc, where do you stand then? I think I might want to run your idea by a reputable lawyer or three, before proceeding.

Kerf
 
Are people having a mechanical issue with the locks on their smiths? I have a 629 with the lock and have put quite a few rounds through it without issue. I don't think I've even tried the lock. Is their something I should look out for?
 
For what ever it's worth, Mr. Ludwig has sold a slew of the Marlin crossbolt elimination kits. Replaces the crossbolt safety with a screw looking blank. I have bought two of his kits as I hate such truck myself, and if I knew someone offered such a kit I might put new Smiths back on my possibles list..
 
I have a new Smith with the lock. I do not mind it. It sits there and does nothing. The gun functions properly. The lock does not bother me, and I would not pay good money to have it filled in or whatever. I would not hesitate to buy a newer Smith because of the lock. I like the old ones better, but I won't pass up a deal on a S&W because of that little gizmo. JMHO
 
I like it!

I have mused about this myself, thinking about a simple screw plug, but my idea hasn't gone anywhere because I have very limited machining skills. It could be flush-fitting, or with a little flange to keep it from being turned in too far, like the screw plugs used to fill unused screw holes for scope mounts on rifles.

Go for it. You'll have a market if you can get past the legal crapola.
 
I don't own any lock equipped S&W's, and don't plan on buying any. But if you place your idea on the S&W forum, I'd like to buy some stock in your company ;).

You will probably be a very busy guy, making the unsightly zit vanish.
 
I am ambivalent about the lock, but I think this is a great idea. You will have no problem selling your lock blanks.
 
I believe I will speak to my lawyer about liability issues. If it seems "safe" enough from a legal standpoint, I think I'll start working with the machine shop. I didn't really expect this kind of response right off the bat!
 
Advertise it with a big safety notice that this is for temporary appearance only, and any other use is not recommended. Furnish with a good set of "how to install" instructions, and whatever you do do not offer any installations. I do not think you will have that much of a liability issue. It is not a safety, but a lock.
 
I'd be interested in one. I only have one S&W that has the ILS and I consider the ILS an abomination to an otherwise fine revolver.
 
I've been thinking of something like this myself.

The plug would have to absorb a lot of recoil and never fall out or IN. It would suck to have something fall inside the gun and jam everything up.

As to the lock removal being used against you in front of a jury how would it be any different than having an intact lock you admit to never using?

I'll take two (depending on cost and quality) in blue, please.
 
Given the thousands of rounds I have fired in my MIM-and-lock-infested 637 and 686+ I join a certain heavily-bearded, left-handed, almost bald, backwoods Tennessee internet blogger in being indifferent about locks.
Cordially, Jack
 
The plug would have to absorb a lot of recoil and never fall out or IN. It would suck to have something fall inside the gun and jam everything up.
Click to expand...

I've already been thinking about this. ;) I don't think it will have a screw head on the outside in the least. I'm hoping for something that is a flush-fit, color-matched beauty. I start development tonight. I'll let you know if I make any progress.

As far as you nay-sayers are concerned, I appreciate and respect your opinion. I wanted to hear all sides of this idea, not just the encouraging ones. Thanks to all, and keep it coming!

./Michael
 
I've had this in my head for a year or two but won't have the time to make any in the near future. My vision was a close pitch threaded hex plug installed from the inside and perma-loctited in place. The flush exterior I envisioned having a gold S&W logo.

Did I mention the idea of an AR bipod/grip was loose in my head for almost a year before one was on the market? :banghead:
 
I'm wondering about a re-shaped cylinder release latch thumb piece that covered the clock-key hole.

I suspect some might like to just hide the hole while leaving the lock in place or would like something that didn't require removing the side plate.

Kinda like the standard piece except with a flange or "more beef" on the upper portion to cover the hole (like the one on the left only more assymetrical). I'd suspect the hole being exposed in whole or in part with the latch in the forward position wouldn't be a deal breaker.

Might also be an alternative for the round plug when the lock is removed. Put 'em both in the bag and the end user can decide if he wants the lock gone or only hidden.
 
Any update on the lock blanks? I'll take a stainless one if they become a reality.

M'bogo
 
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